John MacKenzie chats with Linda Tuck, Principal of Property Ladder Real Estate, about a rate increase for investment properties announced by Cairns Regional Council.

An increase of 15-40% will come into effect during the 2023/2024 financial year for all non-principal place of residence, meaning any property which is not your main home.

Linda Tuck spoke about the struggle for "Mum & Dad" investors already doing it tough and how this move will exacerbate the rental crisis in Cairns.

John MacKenzie chats with a powerful talkback caller, Leon from Edmonton, about his personal experience in turning his own son's life around from a troubled youth into a productive community member.

Leon explained how he needed to turn his own life around to help his son and that community support and practical institutions are the answer. 

Leon believes that a boarding school facility where young people can learn real skills and speak with real people who have improved their lives, rather than a stock-standard detention centre.

John MacKenzie chats with Scott Morrissey, PhD Candidate at JCU Townsville, about a technology being developed to detect the proximity of marine stingers in our waters.

Mr. Morrissey is working on forensic testing of water samples to detect the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of marine stingers, which would effectively eliminate the need to continuously drag nets at local beaches.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Brett Olds, CRC Representative for Division 9, about the proposed changes to public drunkenness, urination, and begging.

In a shocking move, the state government hopes to reduce crime statistics by legalising particular offences and offering diversionary programs as an alternate means. 

The law change would effectively encourage the harassment of tourists and locals alike and could not come at a worse time as crime and anti-social behaviour in the Cairns CBD is at an all-time high.

Cr. Olds thrashed the decisions made 2000km away by a government whose focus is the image of the state's southeast corner.  

John MacKenzie chats with Peter Scott, Mayor of Cook Shire, about the historical significance of World War II after a memorial was recently restored.

The state government recently reversed its decision to remove a war memorial erected to commemorate David Ellerton of the Royal Australian Air Force who was killed in 1942 around 100km from Cooktown.

Peter Scott brought the story to light and elaborated on other interesting facets surrounding the history of the Second World War and Far North Queensland.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Peter Ridd, Independent Scientist, and Marine Geophysicist, about the federal government's guarantee to spend $1.2 billion on reef "protection".

Dr. Ridd explained that record coral cover has been reported recently and that the billion-plus dollar pricetag is a waste of taxpayer funds.

Dr. Ridd also weighed in on the decision by QANTAS to effectively label farmers as environmental polluters by offering "reef protection" programs. Aviation services remain one of the globe's biggest carbon-emitting industries.

John MacKenzie chats with Warren Jonsson, Owner of Jonsson's Farm Market, about the rising costs of living due to the increases in food and energy prices.

Fuel and transport expenses are up with primary producers forced to pass on the cost to the consumer. Groceries and fresh produce prices have been steadily increasing and putting huge pressure on household budgets.

The second wham comes as energy prices are predicted to increase 20% by the end of this year, and another 30% by 2023/24. This is due to the government's efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions through a radical plan.

Many are asking the question: will our road to green sustainability have the ability to sustain our quality of life?

John MacKenzie chats with Nick Trompf, Chairman of Advance Cairns, about the funding secured for vital projects in and around Cairns following the release of the 2022-2023 Australian federal budget.

The major projects that were included in the budget include $50m for the CQUniversity Cairns campus, $107.5m for Cairns' water security, $210m for Kuranda Range upgrades, and $150m for the Cairns Marine Precinct.

Other regional projects close to home missed out, such as the Hells Gate and Urannah dams, whilst $1.2 billion was guaranteed for the protection of the Great Barrier Reef.

John MacKenzie chats with Linda Cooper, General Manager of Study Cairns, about the increase in student numbers studying abroad in Cairns.

A strong return of Japanese students to the region should see others follow suit, and many are anticipating the numbers to begin to rise in the Chinese and Taiwanese markets.

With many students holding working holiday visas, the flow-on effects should be a positive step for our local hospitality businesses experiencing staffing shortages.

Linda Cooper recently attended the Australian International Education Conference where the new emerging markets of Vietnam and Mongolia were discussed.

John MacKenzie chats with Wayne "Prong" Trimble, a family friend of Toyah Cordingley, after the Indian Government set a court date of November 5th as authorities hope to make an arrest soon.

Rajwinder Singh is the person of interest sought by police after he left for India on the same day as the disappearance of Toyah Cordingley in October 2018. Her body was found the following day.

It has been four difficult years for the family, friends, and community of Cairns who have been waiting for justice.